Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Sasser.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having grown up in different spaces and places has shaped who I am and how I show up as a teacher. I grew up with a mix of cultures in Nicaragua, New Orleans, and South Florida, and I bring that mix of warmth, open-mindedness, and empathy into my classroom (and yoga studio) every day. My background has played a role in how I adapt, make space for, and honor the different voices and experiences of my students.
I have taught early elementary grade levels in South Carolina public schools for 10 years. Teaching has been my identity and purpose. My students are my greatest source of inspiration. One of my greatest passions is teaching literacy, or reading and writing. Teaching young learners high-level reading skills lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and when paired with strong literacy instruction and equitable opportunities, it ensures that every learner has the chance to succeed regardless of any societal or academic limitations.
Another passion of mine is social-emotional learning. As an educator I am always engaging in work to strengthen students’ emotional regulation skills and support healthy conflict resolution. My love for social emotional learning served as encouragement to become a yoga teacher. I saw this practice as a powerful tool to help others connect more deeply with themselves and cultivate emotional balance through movement and mindfulness. I currently hold a certification in mindfulness, children’s yoga, and adult vinyasa yoga.
After a decade teaching in a formal classroom setting, I was eager to incorporate my passion for literacy and social emotional learning practices in a different capacity. Enter, my tutoring business, Little Bird Literacy! At Little Bird Literacy, I actively engage with families, provide resources, strategies, and maintain regular communication to support literacy and social skills at home. Every child is unique, and so is their learning path, style, and pace. At Little Bird Literacy, I prioritize individualized tutoring plans that cater to each student’s strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Through ongoing assessments and observations, I tailor my lessons to support emerging readers and challenge advanced learners. I use tailored lesson plans and diverse resources to ensure that every child feels successful and valued.
My vision, always, is to empower our learners to spread their wings and reach new heights in their literacy journey. I love this work!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an educator always comes with its challenges! The transition from being a school teacher to a small business owner has been rewarding, but like any meaningful change, it came with its own set of lessons to learn. Learning how to manage and grow a client base, starting an LLC, and learning how to build a business from the ground up was a major learning curve—it pushed me to develop new skills in areas like marketing, finance, and operations. I also genuinely miss many aspects of the classroom—the energy of a full group of students, the camaraderie with colleagues, and the joy of building a classroom community. However, by the end I was ready for a shift and am so proud of myself for taking the risk. I couldn’t be happier doing this work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Little Bird Literacy, I believe that every child has the potential to soar in their educational journey. My philosophy is rooted in the understanding that every child deserves to flourish as a learner. Literacy is not just a skill, but a vital part of a child’s development and ability to engage with the world.
Drawing from my extensive experience as an elementary teacher, I emphasize fostering a lifelong love for reading while nurturing the diverse needs of my students. I believe that reading serves as a gateway to robust comprehension, promoting confidence and critical thinking, and developing empathy.
Currently, I offer in-person or virtual tutoring support in:
-Literacy (Kindergarten readiness, standardized test preparation, Reading Intervention, achieving IEP goals, Gifted and Talented enrichment, fine motor and handwriting skills, techniques for families and home implementation, homework support)
-Social Emotional Learning (lessons using research-backed curriculum, social skills, self-regulation skills, bullying, handling rejection, conflict, or failure, Habits of Character, developing & maintaining healthy relationships with friends or family, coping with change, perspective-taking, mindfulness exercises, age-appropriate guided meditations and breath work, social scenario practice exercises)
-Spanish (listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, basic vocabulary and grammar, creative visual aids to promote comprehension of complex concepts, games, practical conversation, relaxed and fun atmosphere, verbal instruction combined with engaging digital and printed materials)
I believe what sets me apart from others is my client continuity. I feel grateful to have students who ask their parents to continue sessions with me because they genuinely enjoy learning. This is what it’s all about isn’t it?
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the possibility of opening up a small space dedicated to both education and children’s yoga. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment where children can grow academically and emotionally, combining the benefits of personalized learning with the mindfulness and movement of yoga. It’s a dream that brings together my passion for education, social emotional learning, and wellness. While it’s a big step, I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to build something truly meaningful for the community.
Pricing:
- 1-Hour Session: $60
- Four, 1-Hour Sessions: $230
- Eight, 1-Hour Sessions: $450
- Twelve, 1-Hour Sessions: $660
- *payment plans available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.little-bird-literacy.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-estopinal-sasser
